Barbers offer free haircuts to protest Mich. lockdown

A hair stylist gives a man a free haircut at the State Capitol during a rally as the Michigan State Police watch in Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, May 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 3:08 PM PT — Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Barbers gathered outside the Michigan state capitol this week to give free haircuts in defiance of the state’s stay-at-home restrictions.

Nearly 400 people attended the demonstration on Wednesday. “Operation Haircut” was organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition.

Demonstrators have arrived at the Capitol for “Operation Haircut.” All individuals engaging in haircuts are being educated on the law. Those who do not comply will be cited for disorderly conduct. All citations will be forwarded to the AG’s Office for review. pic.twitter.com/XVb8VVPYFx

Protesters have accused Governor Gretchen Whitmer of “killing small businesses” and called the restrictions overbearing.

People protest at the State Capitol during a rally in Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, May 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

“Here are these people who are small business owners, they’ve been sidelined for months. They’ve been unable to feed their families, support themselves, pay their mortgages, pay for their cars and unable to make a living. The governor has not done anything to allow these people to go back to work.” – Matt Seely, Michigan Conservative Coalition

According to Michigan state police, at least three of the barbers were given citations for disorderly conduct.

As of 4:45 p.m., Operation Haircut has concluded. Final crowd estimate is approx. 300 people. Seven people were cited for disorderly conduct after ignoring warnings to stop cutting hair.